The Gevirtz Graduate School of Education offers two doctoral degrees: the doctor of philosophy in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology and the doctor of philosophy in education. Students admitted to an M.A./Ph.D. program may elect to exit the program with completion of the master’s, except for the Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. The Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs prepare highly capable individuals to perform as scholars and skilled professionals in their chosen fields.

The Department of Education offers the master of arts and the master of education degrees in selected emphasis areas. Master’s degree programs are designed to enhance academic and research competencies of elementary or secondary school teachers and other educational leaders. Previous teaching experience is required for some emphases. Advanced credentials may be pursued in addition to the master’s degree in some emphases. The Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology offers the master of arts and the master of education degrees in selected emphasis areas.

In addition to departmental requirements, candidates for graduate degrees and credentials must meet the University degree requirements found in the “Graduate Education” section of this catalog.

Degree Requirements
Students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 to be awarded a graduate degree. There is no language requirement. However, when advisors deem it suitable for a candidate’s field of study, an appropriate level of foreign language competency may be required.

After completion of coursework, M.A. and M.Ed. candidates are expected to take a final comprehensive examination or complete a project or thesis. M.A. and M.Ed. candidates must complete 30 or more units of upper-division and graduate level course work (with a minimum of 20 graduate units) under the thesis option, or 36-48 units of upper-division and graduate level course work (with a minimum of 24 graduate units) under the non-thesis option. Students admitted to the M.A./Ph.D. are periodically evaluated for their readiness to progress to the Ph.D. level of study. Continuation is based on success in the master’s program, suitability of goals, and anticipated success in the Ph.D. program.

No specific total number of course units is prescribed for a doctoral degree, except for the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizations, which specifies 76 units. Particular requirements will be made by faculty advisors in cases where students need specialized skills in foreign language or other areas. Doctoral students must pass qualifying examinations to be advanced to candidacy. Doctoral candidates must conduct original research and write an acceptable dissertation to be awarded the Ph.D. or Ed.D.

Residence Requirements
Three quarters of registration are required for the master’s degree. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. or Ed.D. is two years or six quarters spent in full-time study and research. A minimum of three consecutive quarters of residency must be completed in regular sessions before advancement to candidacy.